Class of 2002
September 2010

Greetings Class of 2002,

When we were on campus for Volunteer Leadership Day (September 11) we saw several people who looked like they could pass for middle school students. Apparently they were legitimately enrolled at Gustavus. Did we look that young?! And did we have two cell phones per person?

On a more serious note, other significant changes are in the works on campus. Here is a taste:

A new academic building is under construction to the west of Christ Chapel, and will be functional by September 2011. It will house several departments including communication studies, economics/management, sociology/anthropology, history and psychology (that is, if they can find their way out of the SSC maze). A new mall will extend from Christ Chapel to this building. A major, and much needed, renovation is also scheduled for the Anderson Social Science Building (a.k.a. SSC).

There are plans to upgrade residential facilities. Ideas include townhome style housing options for upperclassmen.

According to the GAC website, “Gustavus coffee goes green.” Unless this is referring to the actual color of the coffee, we assume this is a good thing. For your reference, the actual “green” brand is “Tiny Footprint Coffee.”

Launched this fall: Gustavus Friends of Music http://gustavus.edu/giving/friendsofmusic. Join this network of alumni, parents and friends to maintain your strong and valued connection with music at Gustavus.

THANK YOU! From 1998 to 2009, our class has the second-highest percent of classmate participation in giving. Way to go! Thank you for your continued giving. Join the effort again this year by going to: https://gustavus.edu/give.

Nobel Conference

What is Good Food? Join us on October 5 & 6, 2010, for Nobel Conference® 46, Making Food Good, as we explore the many levels of this question and hear answers from our seven distinguished panelists. We will consider the ways in which varied and various conceptions of goodness intersect with, challenge, and are challenged by each other. We will consider contemporary food issues like community food security; the local foods movement; food crops as fuel crops; school lunches; genetic modification of food plants and animals; molecular gastronomy; and protecting genetic diversity of plants and animals. You can order tickets online at gustavustickets.com.

Ad Campaign Launched

Late this summer and into fall, Gustavus launched a statewide advertising campaign for recruitment. Targeted to reach Minnesota high school students and their parents, the ad campaign will include radio, newspaper, magazine, outdoor/billboard, and social media outlets in and around the Twin Cities, Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth, and Mankato. Some places you will see or hear ads include the Minnesota edition of the U.S. News & World Report‘s annual college ranking guide in September, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Metro Lutheran newspaper, 101.3 FM, some high school newspapers, Facebook, and more.

150th Anniversary Commemorative Alumni Directory

The Gustavus Alumni Association is bringing together about 25,000 Gusties to celebrate the College’s 150th anniversary. In partnership with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI), Gustavus will produce the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Alumni Directory. Over the next couple of months, PCI will be contacting Gustavus alumni via phone, mail, and e-mail to request that you update your information. We know you don’t want to provide your information to just anyone, so we want you to be aware of this project and encourage your participation. For more information, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-487-8437.

“Come on You Gusties” Breakfast

Once a month, Gusties gather for coffee, breakfast, and great conversation along with a campus speaker. All Gusties are welcomed and invited to the breakfast, third Wednesday of the month, 8-9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis-Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard. Cost is $10 at the door. October’s topic will be Nobel.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 25 – Homecoming – St. Olaf

Oct. 4-5 – Nobel Conference

Oct. 8-9 – Family Weekend

Oct. 30 – Hall of Fame

On the Homefront…

Weddings…

John Gilbert to Leah Amundson ’06on May 1, 2010 in Alexandria, MN.

Kevin Bergeson to Amber Marten on August 28, 2010 in St. Peter.

Births…

Owen David Wong, born May 28, 2009 to Jimmy and Allison (Opay) Wong.

Avalee Birkett, born June 22, 2009 to Mark and Abby (Roen ’03) Flores.

Douglas Charles, born November 13, 2009 to Carter and Diane (Moberg) Aikin.

Rigg, born January 10, 2010 to Cullen and Brienne (Stevenson) Nelson.

Linnea Marit, born February 15, 2010 to Cory and Sandy (Valnes ’03) Quammen.

Kaitlin Ann, born April 3, 2010 to Charlie and Karen (Warkentien) Oglesby.

Charlotte Elna, born April 7, 2010 to Alan and Laura (Peterson ’00) Sommervold.

Alexander John, born April 9, 2010 to Erik and Alyssa (Stanley) Stroemer.

Sebastian Thomas, born April 20, 2010 to Carols and Courtney (Grant) Martinez.

Clara, born April 28, 2010 to Steve and Kelly (Van Norman ’04) Stauff.

Employment…

Marissa Kolander Letscher is the director of Children and Family Ministries at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Travis Nygard is an assistant professor of art at Ripon College in Ripon, WI. He was also a visiting instructor in the department of art and art history at Gustavus.

Maggie Berndt is a publicist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Britta Olson Lindberg is working in the legal department at Epic Systems Corporation in Verona, WI.

Steve Stauff is an inside sales manager at Thomson Reuters.

Shelly Hochhalter Talcott is the communications director at the Public Health Law Network at William Mitchell.

Annie Oakes is benefit events coordinator at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Other Fun Facts…

Sara Kruse is working for Bolt Construction and is living in St. Peter. She especially enjoys Ladies’ Night at the Cinemagic St. Peter 5 (we hear there are deals on pop and popcorn).

Anna Coulsey Wildgrube is a veterinarian in rural Faribault and is training to run the St. Peter Recreation Department Halloween 5K Fun Run & Walk. Best wishes, Anna!

Mara Michaletz is practicing law somewhere in Alaska. We hear that she was encouraged to carry a firearm for protection. However, she decided that it, “Might not be the best choice for her (or something close to this quote).”

Listen for Karen Warkentien Oglesby doing a Davanni’s radio commercial during select Minnesota Wild Hockey games this season.

Annie Oakes recently learned that a co-worker is related to Evelyn Sponberg Young ’33, the caf’s namesake. We wonder if this relative might be willing to leak the secret rye bread recipe.

Many of you stopped by the Gustavus booth at the Minnesota State Fair this year. We hope you enjoyed it, in addition to something on a stick.